diglloyd

Raw-file Converters

Same file, different converters.  Which is which?
And what about a field shot and portrait?
27 February 2006

Take a look at the page thumbnails to get an idea of what’s in the review.  The review is a 90-megabyte download. See also the reader comments.

Most photographers shooting raw do so for maximum quality, so a key question is whether any of the 3rd-party raw-file conversion programs offer superior detail while minimizing digital artifacts.

Three Nikon D2X raw (NEF) files, and three Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II raw (CR2) files are used to compare the following raw converters:

I’ve used Nikon Capture since version 1.0 (starting with Nikon D1 files), and am quite familiar with its operation.  I’ve also used Digital Photo Professional since version 1.0, and is am also very familiar with its operation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Apple’s Aperture is due for an upgrade (version 1.1) in March 2006.  Its image quality (version 1.01) as seen in this review clearly needs improvement, though as a new entrant into the field it deserves a chance to prove itself.  For that reason, final conclusions on Aperture should be deferred until version 1.1 is released.

There are many aspects to a raw-file processing program, including sharpness, digital artifacts, color rendition, aberration correction, batch-processing, speed of operation, platform support, supported cameras, etc.  This review considers only sharpness and digital artifacts.  It is not a full-blown review of all the features in these raw converters; that would take many weeks to write, and be 10 times the size (or more).

As with politics, concluding that a candidate is good or bad based on a single factor may be not be the wisest choice.  In the case of raw-file converters, there almost always exist raw files for which one converter produces more pleasing results than another, whether it be resolved detail, color, or just “look”.   It is not the intent of this review to conclude that one of these raw converters is best for all images, or for all photographers, each of whom has varying needs.

This review is a good introduction to diglloyd reviews.  The larger reviews, D2X vs EOS, The Sharpest Image, and 28mm Shift Lenses use a similar style. 

What does it cost?

The review costs $14.99 USD, payable via paypal (preferred) or personal check or money order.  The review is licensed to a single person only; providing it to another party in any form is prohibited—thank you for respecting the time and effort that went into preparing it.

Purchase (Download only)

Before purchasing, please check current delivery status—responses to purchases are handled manually, and occassionally I am unable to respond due to lack of internet access.

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Comments from readers

SP, Souther California, 14 July 2006
The article on RAW converters was worth its weight in gold! As I am about to go on one of those “once-in-a-lifetime” trips, I am so glad I read it first.

BA, Kentucky, 08 January 2006
The article is interesting and very informative. It confirms my belief that Nikon Capture... Thanks again for the work to put this together.

AH, location unspecified, 29 Dec 2005
Thanks so much for a really great update! From all the hype I've read about Bibble 4.5 you would think it was the second coming... I cannot believe how much you've opened my eyes regarding all these converters. Please keep up the excellent work! I will be recommending this article or any of your articles to everyone I know who shoots digital....Thanks, again, for doing a superb job!

JH, location unspecified, 19 Dec 2005
I thought that you did an excellent job once again....This was a very helpful review- excellent all around.

AH, location unspecified, 19 Dec 2005
I very much enjoyed your review. I have used quite a few RAW converters over the years and, currently, use Capture One Pro, ACR and Raw Shooter Premium. To be honest, I was quite surprised by your findings regarding color aliasing...Thank you for opening my eyes regarding these converters. I think I've paid far too much attention (and money!) to all the hyperbole and apparent marketing hype regarding the "best RAW converter." I'm pleased to know that there are photographers like you out here trying to separate fact from fiction.